Fields of science and technology classifications
This piece aims to summarize popular classifications of science and technology.
The OECD Frascati classification of science and technology (FOS)
“The Frascati Manual was originally written by and for the experts in OECD member countries who collect and issue national data on research and development (R&D). Over the years, it has become the standard of conduct for R&D surveys and data collection not only in the OECD and the European Union, but also in several non-member economies, for example, through the science and technology surveys of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS).” (Innovation in science, technology and industry, Frascati Manual: Proposed Standard Practice for Surveys on Research and Experimental Development, 6th edition (retrieved July 7, 2013).
Both versions distinguish six top-level categories: 1. Natural sciences; 2. Engineering and technology; 3. Medical and health sciences; 4. Agricultural sciences; 5. Social sciences; 6. Humanities.
(OECD FOS version 1)
(OECD FOS version 2)
Also known as Revised Field of Science and Technology (FOS) classification
Adoped by:
- UNstats. Quote: “This classification should be used for the R&D expenditure of the government, higher education and PNP (Private Non-Profit) sectors and if possible of the BE (Business enterprise) sector and for personnel data in all sectors.”
UNESCO nomenclature for fields of science and technology
The Proposed international standard nomenclature for fields of science and technology was proposed in 1973 and 1974 by the Division of Science Policy and Statistics for Science and Technology of UNESCO and adopted by the Scientific Advisory Committee. This is a classification system widely used in knowledge management of research projects and dissertations. Categories are divided into three hierarchical levels:
- Fields: Refering to general sections. Encoded with two digits and comprises several disciplines.
- Disciplines: Provide an overview of specialty groups in Science and Technology. Encoded with four digits. Despite being different from each other disciplines with cross references, or within the same field, are considered to have common characteristics.
- Subdisciplines: Entries are the more specific elements of the nomenclature and represent the activities that take place within a discipline. Encoded with six digits. In turn, must correspond to individual specialties in science and technology.
Fields
11 Logic 12 Mathematics 21 Astronomy and astrophysics 22 Physics 23 Chemistry 24 Life Sciences 25 Earth and Space Sciences 31 Agricultural Sciences 32 Medical Sciences 33 Technological Sciences 51 Anthropology 52 Demographics 53 Economic Sciences 54 Geography 55 History 56 Juridical Sciences and Law 57 Linguistics 58 Pedagogy 59 Political Science 61 Psychology 62 Science of Arts and Letters 63 Sociology 71 Ethics 72 Philosophy